Water Properly on Houseplant Appreciation Day!
National Houseplant Appreciation Day falls on January 10th of each year, and for us, it serves as a reminder that plants are important, whether inside or outside of the home. To celebrate, consider buying a new houseplant, fertilizing the ones that you have, or simply celebrate the role your indoor houseplants play in creating oxygen-rich air indoors.
However you choose to celebrate, this is a reminder to treasure your houseplants and give them a bit of love. Here’s more information on Houseplant Appreciation Day, how it came to be, and how to best care for your indoor garden!
History of Houseplant Appreciation Day
January 10th was dedicated as Houseplant Appreciation Day by the Gardeners Network. In the aftermath of the holidays, as trees and wreaths are taken down and decorations put away, everything looks plain. Your plants may have also suffered from neglect in the stress of the season. This day acknowledges the joy and beauty greenery brings, even after the holidays have passed.
It’s a day that recognizes houseplants and how they improve your health and the décor of your home. It also reminds you to check up on your leafy friends.
People have spent more time at home these last few years, making it more desirable to own houseplants. Plants are a great way to contribute to good mental health and brighten up a space!
Caring for Your Houseplants
Houseplants are a great addition to every home. As much as they enhance the home, they can be tricky. They need to be handled just right, otherwise their lives could be pretty short.
Believe it or not, you may be killing your plants with kindness. Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes that new plant parents make. The use of too much water can be detrimental to your plants.
In addition to overwatering, underwatering and other improper watering methods are among the top common reasons for houseplant death. Listed below are some examples of improper watering techniques:
- Putting a plant in a pot without drainage
- Failure to evenly saturate the root zone
- Using very cold water
- Watering on a rigid schedule
Even thirsty plants need their soil to dry a little between waterings to allow for proper oxygen exchange and to promote root health. Check the soil to make sure isn’t still wet before re-watering.
Using Hydretain on Your Houseplants
In addition to protecting your plants from drying out when you forget to water, Hydretain can give you the confidence to not overwater. After an application of Hydretain is watered into the root zone, the hygroscopic humectant formula attracts humidity in the soil and turns it into liquid water your plants can use. After you water, the moisture in your soil will keep your plants hydrated for longer periods without the risk of soggy soils.
This water-saving technology can reduce your watering by up to 50%. Unlike a wetting agent or polymer, Hydretain will not swell up and hold water in the soil, which can cause root rot. It simply converts humidity from the soil that would normally be lost to evaporation into water droplets that plants can use. Of course, you still need to water your plants, but a Hydretain application can ensure that your plant will be okay, even if you forget about it for a couple of extra days. It will also help ensure your plants won’t shrivel up while you are on vacation. One application of Hydretain can last up to three months.
Hydretain comes in both liquid and granular forms. Liquid can be added to your watering can and drenched into the soil during a normal watering cycle. The granular formula can be incorporated into the soil at planting or added topically at any time – just be sure to water in it into the root zone, so the product can be effective.
Do not cut back on the amount of water you are using. Instead, try cutting back on the frequency of waterings. This ensures root zone saturation with each watering, which is beneficial to your plants.
With a little bit of help from us and some TLC from you, your houseplants will thrive through the winter and past their special day!
